Andesholidays.com's primary requirements for accepting lodging Home Pages is
that they must be clean, and they must offer the same prices to
international tourists as they offer to Venezuelan's. If your experience
should differ, please let us know the particulars.
venezuela@andesholidays.com

"Agroturismo", as it is
applied here in Venezuela, is a government tourism agency term. It does not
always mean that it is a working farm, or that
guests can join in farming activities, but rather that it is located in a
farming area.

Cabins are
usually located in more remote and scenic locations. Because bus or taxi
service is in-expensive and readily available, this is not a problem. Cabins
are equipped with kitchens and all the accessories you will need for a
comfortable stay. Service is personalized. Many offer play areas for
children, flower gardens, and green areas. Typically, a cabin for two with
hot water shower, toilet, wash basin, tv and kitchen will cost around $35 -
$50 per night. Some cabins are beautifully appointed, offering meals, tours,
and other personalized services.

A note about the "star" system
for Venezuela hotels. Government issued star ratings are not always reliable
indicators. They do not conform to international standards. We are not
revealing any secrets, as the Hotel Schools in Mérida tell their students
the same!

Mérida offers many fine Hotels with experienced staff. Your best indication
as to the quality of the Hotel, is to visit their Home Pages and LOOK at the
accompaning high resolution color PHOTOS. Click to enlarge any "thumbnail
photo".

Posadas are similiar to Bed
and Breakfasts, but usually offering no breakfast! Most are small (usually
between 10 to 25 rooms) and family run, located in the cities or pueblos.
Service is personalized. Their rates are very competitive. Typically, a room
for two with hot water shower, toilet, wash basin and tv will cost less than
$ 25 per night. Many offer additonal services such as an adjoining
restaurant, secure off-street parking, money exchange, tour services, or
fax/e-mail.

Arepas are a
popular favorite of Venezuelans. They are a heavy, partially sliced corn
meal bun stuffed with cheese, meat, fish, or any of more than 20 different
stuffing's that many areperas feature. Low cost, good, and filling.

Fast
Food Restaurants. There are many, and each feature basic menu´s with
popular foods, served quickly at moderate prices. Mérida also has
about a hundred small lunch stands on wheels, which are set-up for night
time only openings. We do not offer Home Pages to these restaurants
for two reasons: 1. We think that they have an unfair advantage over our
established restaurant clients, and: 2. They move about frequently,
requiring constant address changes.

When andesholidays.com began in 1997, there was one cyber cafe in Mérida.
Now there are about 45. In Mérida and the surrounding towns, it is
very easy and in expensive to use E-mail or chat, or phone back to the
states at any of the cyber cafes.

Good
restaurants are primary consideration when you look for a vacation
destination. Mérida has a reputation throughout Venezuela for offering
a wide selection of reasonably priced restaurants. We offer to scan
the menu of our restaurant clients at a low price of about $15. u.s. per
year. Many of our website visitors have e-mailed us favorable comments
about our restaurant clients, and especially those with menu´s.

Our lodging Home Page clients normally ask
their guests: "where did you hear about us". But this is not the case
with our restaurant clients-for some reason, they do not ask? So,
please mention that you learned about them on andesholidays.com. Our
low rates are dependant upon a high Home Page re-newal rate. Thanks,
from andesholidays.com.

Travel and Tour companies work
on a commission basis. They "sell" local knowledge, experience, and
"contacts". They work hard to provide the traveler with a true worthwhile
service. Most speak a second, third, or even a fourth language.

If you prefer, you can book airline flights directly at the airport airline
counters. However, we have always enjoyed a more positive experience when
dealing with travel agents-and it costs no more! It's a simple fact. Low
salaried airline employees have little incentive to do a first class job.
Most do not speak a second language, and many will throw up their hands if
your "Spanglish" does not suit them.

Tour companies, on the other hand, are very customer oriented. They depend
heavily on repeat clients. Most tour company owners and employees have taken
the tours and expeditions they are offering. Their experience will help you
quickly determine the tours that are just right for you. Most tour companies
have a specialty. Look at all of the fast loading Home Pages and choose 2 or
3 companies. Then e-mail them the same message for questions and prices.
Note how quickly and thoroughly each company responds. Make a decision and
book your first tour using e-mail. When you arrive, and if you had a good
time on the tour, book more tours through the same company. If things
weren't just the way you expected, check with other Mérida tour companies.
There is much to do and see in and around Mérida and Venezuela. The travel
and tour companies want all of our visitors to have a good time, returning
home safely, and bragging to their friends about their wonderful "Mérida
experience".

Principally because of our university, great year round climate and easy
lifestyle, Mérida is blessed with many fine artists. Some offer classes or
private instruction. Their work is considered original, of high quality, and
"bargain priced."